The federal trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump while he was playing golf in September 2024, resumed with additional FBI forensic testimony Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida.
An FBI firearms and toolmarks examiner testified that the rifle recovered near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club was a Chinese-made Norinco SKS, was in working condition when recovered, and was configured with a round in the chamber and the safety off — a setup the examiner described as "prepared to fire."
FBI Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner Erich Smith testified that the weapon was test-fired at an FBI laboratory and that its serial number had been "obliterated in several places" but could be partially restored. He showed jurors 7.62x39 mm full metal jacket rounds recovered with the rifle and said, "Bullets are designed to put holes in things. It would have put a hole in something if it had hit the target."
Routh, who is representing himself, cross-examined Smith, questioning whether all SKS rifles are semi-automatic, whether the lab test-firings were videotaped and whether the weapon might have changed hands at a gun show before Routh acquired it. At one point Routh asked, "So, we're just supposed to take your word for it?" Smith responded, "That's what happened." U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon sustained several prosecution objections when Routh's questions strayed beyond the scope of testimony. Earlier in the proceedings Cannon chastised Routh for remarks she said were making a mockery of the court.
The court also heard testimony from FBI biologist Curtis Gaul, who described collecting potential DNA samples from the rifle grip, a glove, zip ties and other items recovered at or near the scene. Jurors occasionally appeared confused as prosecutors referenced exhibit numbers without consistently displaying them on courtroom monitors. Observers noted Routh leaning forward, taking notes and closely watching screens when prints reported to match his were displayed.
Prosecutors have presented a sketch and evidence they say outline an alleged "sniper setup" that included a flashlight, rifle and backpacks found near the course. Defense interruptions prompted repeated admonishments from Judge Cannon to keep examinations focused and moving. When testimony resumed Tuesday, prosecutors indicated they intended to call additional FBI witnesses, including biologist Kara Gregor and specialists in digital forensics and supervisory roles, as they continue to build their case.
Routh is charged in the federal indictment with attempting to assassinate the former president during a September 2024 outing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The trial in the Middle District of Florida has drawn close attention, and prosecution witnesses have been laying forensic groundwork tying the seized items to the accused and to the scene where the weapon was found.
Prosecutors said this week they will continue to call FBI forensic specialists to establish how the rifle and other materials were recovered and processed, and to present forensic linkages prosecutors contend support the charges. The defense's course of cross-examination and any additional evidence Routh intends to present are expected to shape subsequent days of testimony as the trial proceeds.